Switch the play: three channels
The ball must visit all three channels (left, middle, right) before you can score. Teaches teams to move the ball across the pitch and pull the opponent out of shape.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- Divide the area into three channels.
- 5v5 or 6v6 with goals at each end.
Equipment: Cones, 2 goals or 4 mini-goals, bibs, balls
How it works
- Before scoring, the ball must be played in all three channels.
- Players can move freely between channels.
- Coach can award a bonus for a goal straight after a switch.
Coaching points
- Width on both sides when we have it.
- Play to the middle to switch, not just around the back.
- Attack quickly after the switch.
Add this drill to a session plan โ
Make it easier
- Two channels only
Make it harder
- Must switch within 6 passes
AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ Passโ Runใฐโ Dribble
Free AI coaching help from Gafferbook. Ask anything about coaching your team.
More possession drills
Possession with neutrals (4v4+2)
Two teams of four play keep-ball with two neutral players who always help the team in possession, so it's always 6v4.
See the drill โEnd-to-end possession (target players)
Two teams keep the ball and try to play it from a target player at one end to the target at the other. Possession with a purpose: keep it, then go forward when it's on.
See the drill โThree-team possession
Two teams keep the ball together against the third. The team that loses it becomes the defenders. Intense, constant transitions and lots of overloads.
See the drill โKeep-ball with overloads (5v2 to 5v5)
Start with a big overload so players taste success, then add defenders every few minutes until it's even. A simple progression that builds possession under growing pressure.
See the drill โPossession to score through gates
Teams score by passing through a gate to a teammate on the other side. With gates everywhere, players learn to switch play and find the free option.
See the drill โPossession with wall (bounce) players
A 3v3 or 4v4 in the middle with bounce players on each side who play for whoever has the ball. Teaches using support players, quick combinations and switching.
See the drill โ